Systems and methods for improving cell-edge receiver performance

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing improved cell-edge antenna performance are disclosed. The system can use various signal quality indicators (SQIs) for each user equipment (UE) on a particular wireless base station (WBS) or network. When one or more of these metrics reaches a first predetermined value for a particular UE, the WBS or the UE can decide to activate a diversity receive (Rx) antenna on the UE to improve reception. If one or more of these metrics continues to degrade to a second predetermined value, however, the WBS or the UE can deactivate the diversity Rx antenna and activate a primary Rx antenna. Deactivating the diversity antenna when signal quality/strength is poor can improve reception by reducing interference between the diversity Rx antennas. Disabling the diversity Rx antenna when signal quality/strength is poor can also decrease the number of retransmission requests from each UE, reducing traffic on the WBS.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/182,917, filed on Nov. 7, 2018, andentitled, “Systems and Methods for Improving Cell-Edge ReceiverPerformance,” which is a non-provisional of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/585,892, filed Nov. 14, 2017, and entitled, “Cell Edge ReceiverDiversity Enhancement Algorithm,” the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Cell phones and smartphones, sometimes referred to generically as userequipment (UE), are ubiquitous in modern life. UEs can be used to checke-mail, place cellular- and internet-based calls, maintain calendars,and provide a myriad of other applications. As UEs have addedcapabilities, however, the amount of data consumed by the average UE hasincreased. In addition, the sheer number of UEs in use at a given timein a given location can be enormous, which can exceed the capacity of alocal cell tower, or wireless base station (WBS). This can createdelays, errors, and other problems that can negatively impact UEperformance and user's perceived quality of experience (QoE), amongother things.

At the cell edge—i.e., at a distance that is relatively close to themaximum transmission range for the WBS—this traffic problem can beexacerbated by retransmission traffic. If a UE near the cell edge doesnot properly receive a packet of data, the UE can request that thepacket be resent from the WBS to the UE. In fourth-generation (4G)networks, for example, this resend can be achieved by sending a hybridautomatic repeat request, or HARQ request, from the UE to the WBS. And,because it is a retransmission—as opposed to an initial transmission—aHARQ is given high-priority in the scheduling scheme of the WBS. Ifenough HARQ requests are received at the WBS during a given period oftime, however, this can result in physical resource block (PRB)“starvation,” causing delays for other UEs attempting to communicatewith the WBS. Thus, even UEs close to the WBS and/or with strong signalsmay be unable to connect to the WBS or may experience errors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items or features.

FIG. 1 depicts a system for providing improved cell edge antennaperformance, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts the system of FIG. 1 in the context of an internetmultimedia subsystem (IMS), in accordance with some examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an example of a method for providingimproved cell edge antenna performance, in accordance with some examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting another example of a method forproviding improved cell edge antenna performance, in accordance withsome examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example of a UE for use with the systems and methodsdisclosed herein, in accordance with some examples of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example of a network radio resource management (NRRM)server for use with the systems and methods disclosed herein, inaccordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure can comprise systems and methods forproviding improved cell-edge receiver performance for users' equipment(UEs). The system can include an application including one or moresignal monitors to monitor signal quality and/or power for a one or moreUEs attached to a particular cell site such as, for example, a microcellor wireless base station (WBS). When one or more metrics related tosignal quality and/or signal strength are above a first predeterminedlevel on a UE, the UE can utilize a multiple input, multiple output(MIMO) antenna mode for improved throughput. When the signal strength isabove a second predetermined level, but below the first predeterminedlevel, the UE can use a diversity antenna mode for improved reception.If at least one of the one or more metrics falls below the secondpredetermined level, however, the UE can disable the diversity antennamode and revert to a primary antenna mode to reduce cross-antennainterference and excessive retransmission, among other things.

The systems and methods are discussed generally herein with respect tocellular UEs and in terms of components (e.g., network entities)associated with fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G)cellular networks. The systems and methods can be used with other typesof equipment and on other types of networks, however, where diversityantennas are used to improve reception when conditions warrant (e.g.,low signal quality). Thus, while described herein in terms of the 4G and5G networks, one of skill in the art will recognize that the systems andmethods could also be used on other types of networks that use diversityantennas under certain conditions.

For ease of explanation, the systems and methods described herein aredescribed in terms of a UE (e.g., a cell phone, smart phone, or tabletcomputer) and a macro cell site, or WBS. These terms are used merely tosimplify and clarify the disclosure. One of skill in the art willrecognize that the systems and methods could be used with many types ofdevices that communicate wirelessly with many different types of basestations. The systems and methods disclosed herein could also be usedwith, for example, Wi-Fi routers, mini-cells, micro-cells, etc.

In addition, because signal quality and signal strength are closelyrelated—i.e., greater signal strength equals greater signal quality, allother things being equal—the terms signal quality and signal strengthare used below interchangeably. These parameters are often measured indifferent ways on different networks and may be measured in multipleways on the same network. Thus, while block error rate (the BLER) andsignal to noise ratio (SINR) are the predominant parameters discussedbelow, the systems and methods disclosed herein could also be used withother parameters such as, for example, received signal strengthindicator (RSSI), reference signal received power (RSRP), referencesignal received quality (RSRQ), etc. As used herein, “lower” SINR, forexample, means a lower, or more negative, SINR (e.g.,−12 Db is lowerthan −6 dB, −6 dB is lower than 0 dB, 0 dB is lower than 30 dB, etc.)

As mentioned above, using current technology, UEs use diversity antennaswhen signal strength is below a predetermined threshold. Diversityantennas include an array of multiple antennas designed to improvesignal reception. They are especially effective when there is no directline-of-sight between the WBS and the UE. The multiple antennas receivethe same data along multiple paths, which can then be combined (usingappropriate algorithms) to create a more robust wireless link. Manycurrent UEs, for example, use a four-antenna MIMO array for sending andreceiving transmissions from the WBS, which can be reconfigured to atwo-way diversity receive antenna in certain conditions.

Conventional thinking is that diversity antennas will always improvereception and throughput, especially in low SINR situations. Somewhatcounterintuitively, however, at predetermined level of SINR, somewherebetween approximately −6 dB and 0 dB, throughput is actually reduced dueto cross-antenna interference. In addition, because signal quality islow, the number of HARQ retransmissions goes up significantly. Thenumber of HARQ retransmissions is further increased simply by the factthat there are multiple antennas in use on each UE.

Indeed, if there are a sufficient number of UEs at the cell edge, thenumber of HARQ retransmissions can become so high that physical resourceblock (PRB) starvation occurs. This problem is still further exacerbatedby the long-term evolution (LTE) specifications, which prioritizeretransmissions, for example, over initial transmissions. When PRBstarvation occurs, even UE close to the WBS may be unable to connectbecause all resources are being consumed by HARQ retransmissions.

To this end, as shown in FIG. 1, examples of the present disclosure cancomprise a system 100 for improved radio resource management (RRM). Thesystem 100 can switch between MIMO, diversity, and main antennas asconditions warrant to improve throughput and reception, while minimizingretransmissions. The system 100 can monitor, for example, signal quality(e.g., SINR), the BLER, scheduling rate (SR), and other factors todetermine when to switch between MIMO, diversity, and main antennas.

The system 100 can comprise a UE 102. The UE 102 can comprise a cellularphone, tablet computer, smart watch, or other device capable ofconnecting to one or more wireless and/or wired networks. The system 100is discussed generally herein with respect to the cellular 4G and 5Gnetworks, but could also be used with other wireless networks, such asWi-Fi 108 and Bluetooth® networks, where edge reception may causesimilar issues.

In some examples, some, or all, of the RRM functions can be located onthe UE 102. The UE 102 can include a RRM application 104, for example,that is tasked with sending radio resource control (RRC) messages to aWBS 106 and/or managing radio resources directly on the UE 102. The RRMapplication 104 can receive information (e.g., from a transceiver on theUE 102) regarding the strength and/or quality of the connection betweenthe UE 102 and the WBS 106. The RRM application 104 can receive orcalculate various signal quality parameters such as, for example, BLER,SR, RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. These parameters, and other parametersrelated to signal quality at the UE 102, can be referred to hereincollectively as signal quality indicators, or SQI.

The RRM application 104 can also receive information related to currentantenna visibility and/or rank indicator (RI) from the transceiver. Fora 2×2 antenna array, as is found on most modern UEs 102, the RI can be 1or 2. An RI=2 indicates that the antenna performance is near optimalwith little, or no, interference between the antennas. In other words,the UE 102 can receive two uncorrelated signals from the WBS 106, one oneach antenna. This may enable MIMO operation, for example, and/orpreclude the use of diversity antennas. An RI=1, on the other hand,means that the two antennas are essentially acting as one antenna—i.e.,the signal on each antenna is partially, or fully correlated.

The RRM application 104 may also receive or calculate informationrelated to the BLER for one or more of the antennas. The BLER iscalculated as the number of erroneous, or unusable, blocks over thetotal number of blocks in a data stream. As a result, the BLER canprovide a useful empirical measure of antenna performance and signalquality because the number of errors increases as signal qualitydecreases. A BLER that is above a predetermined value (e.g., abovebetween 3-10%) may indicate, for example, that the use of diversityantennas is causing interference, rather than improving reception.

In some examples, the RRM application 104 can also receive or calculatedata related to the scheduling rate (SR) between the UE 102 and the WBS106. The SR can be defined as the percentage of the total time the UE102 is connected to the WBS 106, as opposed to being in idle state,divided by the total time for a particular data session. The total timethe UE 102 was connected can be determined by how many frames, orsubframes, are assigned to the UE in a given period—i.e., when the UE102 was in radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) mode C. So, forexample, if a given data session lasts 1200 ms and the UE 102 was inRNTI-C for 1000 ms, then the SR=( 1000/1200)=0.833, or expressed as apercentage 83.33%.

In other examples, some, or all, of the RRM functions can be located atthe WBS 106. In this example, the UE 102 can provide RRC messages to anetwork radio resource management (NRRM) server 116. The NRRM server 116can be located at the WBS 106, for example, or can be a network entityin a remote location. The NRRM server 116 can comprise one or moreservers configured to receive RRC messages from the UE 102, make variouscalculations and/or decisions, and then send RRC messages back to the UE102 in response to the calculations and/or decisions. The RRC messagesfrom the NRRM server 116 to the UE 102 can include increasing ordecreasing transmit power, for example, using main or diversityantennas, using MIMO mode, etc. The methods 300, 400 discussed below,for example, could be performed on the UE 102 using the RRM application104, performed by the NRRM server 116, or a combination thereof.

The UE 102 can also be in communication with a wireless (Wi-Fi) router,also referred to as a wireless residential gateway (WRG) 108 (the terms“Wi-Fi” and “WRG” are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure).The WBS 106 can provide the UE 102 with a cellular voice and/or dataconnection 110. The WRG 108, on the other hand, can provide the UE 102with an internet protocol (IP) connection 112 (e.g., via the world-wideweb (WWW) 114), which can also provide voice—e.g., voice over IP(VOIP)—and data services, among other things.

Once connected, the UE 102 can be routed to, and through various networkentities to make voice and video calls, access the WWW 114, download orstream content, etc. The UE 102 can place a call to another UE, forexample, and be routed to an interrogating call session control function(I-CSCF) 118. The I-CSCF 118, in turn, can locate the appropriateserving call session control function (S-CSCF) 120, and so on, until thecall is routed from the UE 102 to the recipient UE. In some examples,the UE 102 may also be connected to one or more telephony applicationservers (TASs) 122. The TASs 122 can provide various functions such as,for example, streaming or live content, video calling, etc. Each TAS canprovide one or more functions, though generally each TAS 122 isdedicated to one function, or a few functions, such as a particularapplication or service. These network entities are discussed below inmore detail with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is an example of the system 100 of FIG. 1 (highlighted by dashedlines) in the context of an internet multimedia subsystem (IMS) 200. Asshown, the IMS 200 includes the system 100 and several networkcomponents for routing signals, storing subscriber information, andconnecting across various subsystems and network types. The IMS 200 isbuilt on the session initiation protocol (SIP) and is the base tofurther support packaging of voice, video, data, and fixed and mobileservices on a single platform to end users. It enables communicationsacross multiple types of networks, including cellular, satellite,broadband, cable, and fixed networks, and enables the creation ofefficient interoperating networks.

As shown, the IMS 200 also provides interoperability for the UE 102 andother devices across multiple networks including, for example, 2G 202,3G 204, 4G 206, 5G 208, Wi-Fi 108, and IP 112 networks. Thus, the IMS200 provides the interoperability to enable the UE 102 to connect tomultiple networks (e.g., the 4G 206 and 5G 208 networks) separately orsimultaneously. The UE 102 can connect to the 4G 206 network for someservices (e.g., voice and/or video calls), for example, and the Wi-Fi108 network for other services (e.g., large downloads).

The IMS 200 can also include the NRRM server 116. And, while the NRRMserver 116 is shown in communication with the 4G 206 and 5G 208 networksin this example, the NRRM server 116 could also be in communication withother networks (e.g., the 2G 202 and 3G 204 networks). The NRRM server116 could also be standalone or located on one or more network entities,including existing network entities (e.g., the P-CSCF 216 or HLR/HSS210). As mentioned above, some or all of the functions of the NRRMserver 116 could also be performed on the UE 102. The IMS 200 alsoincludes a variety of network entities for providing different services,which can include the S-CSCF 120, I-CSCF 118, and one or more TASs 122.

As mentioned above, the NRRM server 116 can comprise one or more serverslocated at the WBS 106 or at the network core to provide RRM for the UE102, including antenna management. As discuss below with respect toFIGS. 3 and 4, the NRRM server 116 and/or the UE 102 can use a varietyof methods 300, 400 that each utilize one or more SQIs to determinewhich antenna configuration should be used by the UE 102. The NRRMserver 116 can be located at the WBS 106, for example, and can receiveRRC messages from the UE 102, analyze various SQIs, and then send RRCmessages to the UE 102, as necessary, to adjust antenna configurations,power settings, etc. in response to changing conditions. This can reduceerror rates, such as BLER, and can reduce traffic at the WBS 106 byreducing the number of HARQ requests coming from the UE 102, among otherthings.

In some examples, the IMS 200 can also include, for example, a homelocation register/home subscriber service (HLR/HSS) 210, a servicearchitecture evolution gateway (SAE GW) 212, and a policy and chargingrules function (PCRF) 214, among other things. The HLR/HSS 210 is acentral database that contains user-related and subscription-relatedinformation. The functions of the HLR/HSS 210 include mobilitymanagement, call and session establishment support, user authenticationand access authorization. The HSS, which is used for 4G 206 and 5G 208connections, is based on the previous HLR and authentication center(AuC) from code division multiple access (CDMA) and global system formobile communications (GSM) technologies, with each servingsubstantially the same functions for their respective networks.

The HLR/HSS 210 can also serve to provide routing instructions (e.g., IPaddresses or phone numbers for various requests), and provide anybilling associated with these requests (e.g., to access a roamingnetwork). The P-CSCF 216 can provide information to the HLR/HSS 210 withthe necessary credentials to enable the UE 102 to access the 4G 206and/or 5G 208 networks, for example, via the IMS 200. Onceauthenticated, the HLR/HSS 210 can ensure the user is authorized to usethe services included in the requests (e.g., to make a VOIP call ordownload a file) or send an authorization request to a third-generationpartnership project authentication, authorization, and accounting (3GPPAAA) server, among other things.

The SAE GW 212 routes and forwards user data packets, while also actingas the mobility anchor for the user plane during inter-eNodeB handoversand as the anchor for mobility between 4G 206, 5G 208, and other 3GPPtechnologies. The SAE GW 212 is also responsible, for example, forterminating the S4 interface and relaying traffic between 2G 202 and 3G204 systems and the packet data network gateway (PGW). When the UE 102is in idle state, the SAE GW 212 terminates the downlink data path andtriggers paging when downlink data arrives for the UE 102. The SAE GW212 also manages and stores UE contexts such as, for example, parametersof the IP bearer service and network internal routing information.

The PCRF 214 is a software node that determines policy rules in theoverall cellular network, and in the IMS 200 specifically. The PCRF 214generally operates at the network core and accesses subscriber databases(e.g., via the HLR/HSS 210) and other specialized functions, such ascontent handling, such as whether the user has sufficient data left intheir plan to download a file, in a centralized manner. The PCRF 214 isthe main part of the IMS 200 that aggregates information between the IMS200 and other sources. The PCRF 214 can support the creation of rulesand then can automatically make policy decisions for each subscriberactive on the IMS 200. The PCRF 214 can also be integrated withdifferent platforms like rating, charging, and subscriber databases orcan be deployed as a standalone entity.

The IMS 200 also includes the P-CSCF 216. The P-CSCF 216 is the entrypoint to the IMS 200 and serves as the outbound proxy server for the UE102. The UE 102 attaches to the P-CSCF 216 prior to performing IMSregistrations and initiating SIP sessions. The P-CSCF 216 may be in thehome domain of the IMS operator, or it may be in the visiting domain,where one or more UEs are currently roaming. For attachment to a givenP-CSCF 216, the UE 102 performs P-CSCF 216 discovery procedures.Attachment to the P-CSCF 216 enables the UE 102 to initiateregistrations and sessions with the IMS 200.

The IMS 200 also includes the I-CSCF 118. The I-CSCF 118 acts as aninbound SIP proxy server in the IMS 200. During IMS registrations, theI-CSCF 118 queries the HLR/HSS 210 to select the appropriate S-CSCF 120which can serve the UE 102. During IMS sessions, the I-CSCF 118 acts asthe entry point to terminating session requests. The I-CSCF 118 routesthe incoming session requests to the S-CSCF 120 of the called party.

The S-CSCF 120 acts as a registrar server, and in some cases, as aredirect server. The S-CSCF 120 facilitates the routing path formobile-originated or mobile-terminated session requests. The S-CSCF 120also interacts with various components for playing tones andannouncements, among other things. For the systems and methods discussedherein, the S-CSCF 120 can receive requests to register from the UE 102,for example, and establish the appropriate sessions with third-partyapplication servers, TAS(s) 122, and other entities according to theservices requested by the UE 102.

The IMS 200 also includes a breakout gateway control function (BGCF)218. The BGCF 218 is the IMS 200 element that selects the network inwhich public switched telephone network (PSTN) 220 (discussed below)breakout is to occur. If the breakout is to occur in the same network asthe BGCF 218, for example, then the BGCF 218 selects a media gatewaycontrol function (MGCF) 222 (also discussed below) that will beresponsible for interworking with the PSTN 220. The MGCF 222 thenreceives the SIP signaling from the BGCF 218.

The IMS 200 also includes a subscriber location function (SLF) 224. TheSLF 224 provides information to the HLR/HSS 210 with respect to userprofiles and other information and is generally implemented using adatabase. If the IMS 200 contains more than one HLR/HSS 210, then theI-CSCF 118 and S-CSCF 120 will communicate with the SLF 224 to locatethe appropriate HLR/HSS 210.

The IMS 200 also includes the aforementioned TAS(s) 122. As the nameimplies, TAS(s) 122, sometimes known in a telephony-only context simplyas application servers (ASs), are components used to provide telephonyapplications and additional multimedia functions. The TAS 122 caninclude any entity in a telephone network that carries out functionsthat are not directly related to the routing of messages through thenetwork, such as third-party application servers, and other entitiesthat provide downloads, streaming video, and other services. Suchfunctions can also include, for example, in-network answering machines,automatic call forwarding, conference bridges and other types ofapplications. And, while shown as a single entity in FIG. 2, multipleTASs 122 are generally used, with each TAS 122 providing one or moreseparate services. Based on the services requested by the UE 102 to theS-CSCF 120, for example, the S-CSCF 120 can establish sessions with oneor more TASs 122, generally with one TAS 122 for each service.

The IMS 200 also includes the MGCF 222. The MGCF 222 is a SIP endpointthat handles call control protocol conversion between SIP and ISDN userpart (ISUP)/bearer-independent call control (BICC) and interfaces withthe SAE GW 212 over stream control transmission protocol (SCTP). TheMGCF 222 also controls the resources in a media gateway (MGW) 226 acrossan H-248 interface. The MGW 226 is a translation device or service thatconverts media streams between disparate telecommunications technologiessuch as plain old telephone service (POTS), SS7, next generationnetworks (2G 202, 3G 204, 4G 206, and 5G 208), or private branchexchange (PBX) systems.

Finally, the IMS 200 also includes the PSTN 220. The PSTN 220 is theworld's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephonenetworks, both commercial and government-owned. In some cases, the PSTN220 can also be referred to as the POTS. With respect to IP phones 228,for example, the PSTN 220 furnishes much of the Internet's long-distanceinfrastructure. Because internet service providers (ISPs) paylong-distance providers for access to their infrastructure and share thecircuits among many users through packet-switching (discussed above),internet users avoid having to pay usage tolls to anyone other thantheir ISPs.

As shown in FIG. 3, examples of the present disclosure can comprise amethod 300 for managing antenna configuration on the UE 102 based on anumber of factors. As mentioned above, using diversity receive (Rx)antennas below a predetermined signal quality can actually decreasereception quality due to interference between the multiple antennas,among other things. In addition, the use of multiple antennas whensignal quality is low can also multiple the number of HARQ requests,leading to PRB starvation at the WBS 106. And, because HARQretransmissions have high priority on the WBS 106, PRB starvation canactually cause UEs with high signal quality to experience delays,dropouts, and other errors.

For ease of explanation, the method 300 is described below from theperspective of the NRRM server 116. In other words, as described below,the NRRM server 116 receives RRC messages from the UE 102, makes certaincalculations and/or decisions, and then sends RRC messages back to theUE 102 to activate and deactivate various antenna modes. As mentionedabove, however, the method 300 can also be performed on the UE 102 bythe RRM application 104 or can be performed on a combination of the RRMapplication 104 and the NRRM server 116. The RRM application 104, forexample, may calculate the SINR directly from data provided by thetransceiver on the UE 102, calculate a channel quality indicator (CQI),and then provide this information to the NRRM server 116 for furthercalculations/decision-making.

The example below also assumes a UE 102 with a 2×2 MIMO antenna array.Of course, other antenna configurations could be used in a similarmanner by simply adjusting some parameters (e.g., RI) to the particularantenna configuration. Thus, the use of a 2×2 MIMO array, and parametersassociated therewith, is merely intended to simplify and clarify—and notlimit—the disclosure.

At 302, the method 300 can start with the antennas on the UE 102 in“standard” mode. This can vary by type of UE 102, but for a UE 102 on anLTE network, for example, this generally means that the antenna isoperating in MIMO mode when signal quality is good. This increases thethroughput to the UE 102 and makes applications that require largeamounts of data possible, among other things. In this mode, a 2×2 MIMOarray, for example, may be simultaneously transmitting to the WBS 106 ontwo antennas and simultaneously receiving from the WBS 106 on the othertwo antennas.

At 304, the NRRM server 116 can receive an RRC message from the UE 102.The RRC message can include one or more parameters associated withsignal quality. The RRC message can include, for example, RI, SINR,RSRP, RSRQ, scheduling rate, BLER, and/or other information. Asdiscussed below, based in part on one or more parameters in the RRCmessage, the NRRM server 116 can (re)configure the antennas on the UE102.

For a 2×2 MIMO antenna array, for example, the RI can be equal to 1 or2. When RI=2, this indicates that the two Rx antennas are performingoptimally (i.e., as two antennas), with little, or no, interferencebetween the two antennas. When RI=1, on the other hand, this indicatesthat there is significant interference between the antennas. As aresult, when RI=1, the antennas “appear” to the UE 102 to be a singleantenna.

Thus, in some examples, RI can be used as an initial indicator of signalquality. If the RI=2, signal quality can be assumed to be good enough tocontinue using MIMO mode on the antennas. If RI=1, on the other hand,using MIMO mode is no longer effective and further analysis candetermine whether antenna performance can be optimized using diversityRx antenna mode or simply using main Rx antenna mode. To this end, at306, the NRRM server 116 can determine if the RI provided in the RRCmessage is equal to 1 or 2.

If RI=2, then at step 302, the UE 102 can continue to use the antennasin standard mode (e.g., MIMO mode). An RI=2 indicates that the two Rxantennas are working separately and effectively, which providesincreased throughput, among other things. If RI=1 on the other hand,then at step 308, the NRRM server 116 can next determine if the SINR isgreater than SINR_(MIN). SINR_(MIN) can vary somewhat based in part onthe sophistication of the UE 102, antenna design, atmosphericconditions, traffic, and other factors. Newer UE 102 may have bettersignal processing when compared to older UE 102, for example, to enableacceptable performance at lower SINRs. In general, however, when SINRapproaches somewhere between approximately −6 dB and 0 dB, a single mainRx antenna will outperform diversity Rx antennas by eliminatinginterference between the antennas, among other things. As mentionedabove, this also reduces the number of HARQ retransmissions, decreasingunnecessary traffic on the WBS 106.

If the SINR is not greater than or equal to SINR_(MIN), then at 310, theNRRM server 116 can send an RRC reconfigure message to the UE 102 todeactivate MIMO mode and revert to using a single main antenna. Asmentioned above, at a sufficiently low SINR, using diversity Rx antennascan actually reduce performance. In addition, using diversity Rxantennas below SINR_(MIN) can increase the number of HARQretransmissions both because signal quality is low and because HARQrequests may be sent from multiple antennas at the same time.

If SINR is greater than or equal to SINR_(MIN) (e.g., −6 dB, 0 dB, 6 dB,etc.), on the other hand, then in some examples, the NRRM server 116 canoptionally also monitor SR. Thus, at step 312, the NRRM server 116 candetermine if SR is less than or equal to SR_(MAX). SR_(MAX) can varyfrom WBS 106 to WBS 106, but generally indicates an issue somewherebetween 30% and 40%. In this example, SR_(MAX) can be assumed to be 35%.If SR is greater than SR_(MAX), then at step 310, the NRRM server 116can send an RRC message to the UE 102 to revert to a single main Rxantenna.

If SR is less than or equal to SR_(MAX), on the other hand, then at 314,the NRRM server 116 can send an RRC message to the UE 102 to deactivateMIMO mode on the antennas and reconfigure to use diversity Rx antennamode. The use of diversity Rx antennas can improve reception and reduceerror rates at low SINRs by providing multiple reception paths forincoming data, which can then be reassembled and error-checked at the UE102. As mentioned above, however, at sufficiently low SINR—somewherebetween approximately −6 dB and 6 dB, depending on variousfactors—diversity antennas cease to be effective.

To this end, at 316, the NRRM server 116 can determine if the BLER isgreater than BLER_(MAX) to monitor the effectiveness of the diversityantennas. BLER_(MAX) can vary depending on the UE 102, the WBS 106, thetype of network, and other factors, but usually becomes an issuesomewhere between approximately 3% and 9%. In this example, theBLER_(MAX) can be assumed to be 6%. Thus, if the BLER is greater thanthe BLER_(MAX)—even when SINR is greater than or equal to SINR_(MIN)—theeffectiveness of the diversity antennas is reduced.

Because the BLER is somewhat transient and diversity antennas cansignificantly improve reception in many conditions, in some examples,the BLER can be checked more than once prior to deactivating thediversity antennas. Thus, if the BLER is greater than the BLER_(MAX),then at 318 a timer can be set to recheck the BLER prior to deactivatingthe diversity Rx antenna mode. Because the UE 102 sends periodic RRCmessages to the WBS 106 (typically every 10 ms), in some examples, thetimer can be set to some multiple of 10 ms. Thus, the timer may be setto 50 ms or 100 ms, for example, to provide a sufficient number ofsamples and to ensure the BLER has stabilized.

The timer may also be based in part on current conditions. If the BLERsignificantly exceeds BLER_(MAX), for example, a shorter timer may bewarranted because the error rate is high, which may cause more issuesfor the UE 102. If the BLER is borderline (e.g., within 1% or 2% ofBLER_(MAX)), on the other hand, then the timer may be set to a highervalue to determine whether BLER increases or decreases. In addition,while the BLER is shown being rechecked only once in FIG. 3, BLER couldalso be checked multiple times prior to the expiry of the timer. If theUE 102 sends RRC messages every 10 ms and the timer is set for 50 ms,for example, the NRRM server 116 could recheck the BLER once after 50 msor recheck the BLER five times—every 10 ms for 50 ms.

At 320, the NRRM server 116 can determine if the timer has expired. Ifnot, in some examples, the NRRM server 116 can simply ignore incomingRRC messages until the timer expires. In other examples, the NRRM server116 can recheck the BLER multiple times until the timer expires, asdiscussed above. When the timer expires, then at 322, the NRRM server116 can receive another RRC message from the UE 102. At 324, the NRRMserver 116 can recheck the current BLER to determine if the BLER stillexceeds BLER_(MAX).

If BLER still exceeds BLER_(MAX), then at 310, the NRRM server 116 cansend an RRC message to the UE 102 to revert to using the main Rxantenna. If, on the other hand, BLER does not exceed BLER_(MAX), then at304, the NRRM server 116 can do nothing and simply receive the next RRCmessage from the UE 102 (or send an RRC message to the UE 102 tomaintain the current configuration). In this case, the excessive initialBLER appears to be transient and the diversity antennas can remainactive. Thus, the method 300 can use a combination of RI, SR, BLER, andother SQIs to provide improved RRM for the UE 102 and the WBS 106.

Of course, as shown in FIG. 4, a similar method 400 could also be usedwith slightly different parameters. Instead of using RI as an initialmeasure, for example, the NRRM server 116 could simply use SINR. As SINRdrops below an initial SINR, SINR₁, for example, the UE 102 could beinstructed to activate diversity antenna mode. If the SINR continues todrop below a second SINR, SINR₂, however, then the diversity antennascould be deactivated in favor of the main Rx antenna mode. In betweenSINR₁ and SINR₂, the method 400 can use the BLER to monitor theeffectiveness of the diversity antennas and reconfigure the antennas asnecessary.

To this end, at 402, the method 400 can start with the antennas on theUE 102 in standard mode. At 404, the NRRM server 116 can receive an RRCmessage from the UE 102. As before, the RRC message can include one ormore SQIs.

At 406, the NRRM server 116 can determine if the SINR is greater thanSINR₁. SINR₁ can vary somewhat based in part on the sophistication ofthe UE 102, antenna design, atmospheric conditions, traffic, and otherfactors. SINR₁ can nonetheless represent the crossover point betweenconditions that are sufficient to support MIMO Rx mode, for example, andconditions that warrant diversity Rx antenna mode for improved accuracy.SINR₁ can vary widely by UE 102 and network type (e.g., 4G or 5G), amongother things. In general, however, the crossover point where diversityRx antennas become more effective then MIMO Rx antennas is somewherebetween approximately 7 dB and 12 dB. In this example, SINR₁ can beassumed to be 10 dB.

If SINR is greater than or equal to SINR₁, then signal quality is suchthat MIMO Rx antennas can be used effectively and no action isnecessary. Thus, at step 404, the NRRM server 116 can simply receive thenext RRC message from the UE 102 for evaluation and leave the antennasin standard mode.

If, on the other hand, the SINR is less than SINR₁, then the NRRM server116 can next determine whether to activate the diversity Rx antenna modeor the main Rx antenna mode. As mentioned above, somewhatcounterintuitively, at some sufficiently low SINR, the diversity Rxantenna ceases to be effective at improving reception and can alsoincrease the number of HARQ requests. To this end, at 408, the NRRMserver 116 can next determine if the SINR is greater than or equal toSINR₂—i.e., the point at which diversity Rx antennas cease to beeffective. As before, SINR₂ can vary based on the type of UE 102, thetype of network, and other conditions. In general, however, SINR₂ can bebetween approximately −6 dB and 6 dB. For this example, SINR₂ can beassumed to be 0 dB.

If the SINR is less than SINR₂, then at 410, the NRRM server 116 cansend an RRC reconfigure message to the UE 102 to deactivate MIMO modeand revert to using a single main antenna. If SINR is greater than orequal to SINR₂, on the other hand, then at 412, the NRRM server 116 cansend an RRC message to the UE 102 to deactivate MIMO mode on theantennas and activate diversity Rx antenna mode. As before, the NRRMserver 116 can then use BLER to monitor the effectiveness of thediversity Rx antennas.

To this end, at 414, the NRRM server 116 can determine if the BLER isgreater than BLER_(MAX). As above, BLER_(MAX) can vary depending on theUE 102, the WBS 106, the type of network, and other factors, but usuallybecomes an issue somewhere between approximately 3% and 9%. In thisexample, the BLER_(MAX) can be assumed to be 6%. Thus, if the BLER isgreater than the BLER_(MAX)—even when SINR is greater than or equal toSINR₂—the error rate is high and the effectiveness of the diversityantennas is not good. If BLER is less than or equal to BLER_(MAX), thenthe error rate is sufficiently low for the continued use of thediversity Rx antenna. If BLER is less than or equal to BLER_(MAX), thenat 404, the NRRM server 116 can simply receive the next RRC messagewithout reconfiguring the antennas.

As mentioned above, BLER is somewhat transient and diversity antennascan significantly improve reception in many conditions. As a result, insome examples, the BLER can be checked more than once prior todeactivating the diversity antennas. Thus, if the BLER is greater thanthe BLER_(MAX), then at 416, a timer can be set to recheck the BLER oneor more times prior to deactivating the diversity antennas. Theparameters for setting the timer and/or rechecking BLER can be similarto those described above for FIG. 3.

At 418, the NRRM server 116 can determine if the timer has expired. Ifnot, in some examples, the NRRM server 116 can simply ignore incomingRRC messages until the timer expires. In other examples, the NRRM server116 can recheck the BLER multiple times until the timer expires, asdiscussed above. When the timer expires, then at 420, the NRRM server116 can receive another RRC message from the UE 102. At 422, the NRRMserver 116 can check the current BLER to determine if the BLER stillexceeds BLER_(MAX).

If BLER still exceeds BLER_(MAX), then at 410, the NRRM server 116 cansend an RRC message to the UE 102 to revert to using the main Rx antennamode. If, on the other hand, BLER does not exceed BLER_(MAX), then at404, the NRRM server 116 can do nothing and simply receive the next RRCmessage from the UE 102. In this case, the excessive initial BLER wastransient and the diversity antennas can remain active. Thus, the method300 can use a combination of two or more SINRs, BLER, and other SQIs toprovide improved radio resource management for the UE 102 and the WBS106.

FIG. 5 depicts a component level view of an example of the UE 102 foruse with the systems and methods described herein. The UE 102 could beany UE capable of making audio and/or video calls, connecting to the WWW114, and providing other services on the cellular network 110, the IMS200, and/or IP networks 112 (discussed above). For clarity, the UE 102is described herein generally as a cell phone, smart phone, or tabletcomputer. One of skill in the art will recognize, however, that thesystems and methods described herein can also be used with a variety ofother electronic devices, such as, for example, laptop computers,desktops, and other network connected devices that use antennas withmultiple modes of operation. Indeed, the UE 102 can be any device thatcan send and receive wireless communications and that can benefit fromimproved antenna management.

The UE 102 can comprise several components to execute theabove-mentioned functions. As discussed below, the UE 102 can comprisememory 502 including an operating system (OS) 504 and one or morestandard applications 506. The standard applications 506 can includemany features common to UEs such as, for example, calendars, call logs,voicemail, etc. The standard applications 506 can also comprise a videocall application, an audio call application, and a messagingapplication, among other things. The standard applications 506 can alsoinclude contacts to enable the user to select a contact, for example, toinitiate an audio or video call.

The UE 102 can also comprise the RRM application 104. As mentionedabove, the antenna management discussed herein can be performed on theUE 102, on the NRRM server 116, or a combination thereof. In someexamples, the RRM application 104 may simply send and receive RRCmessages to and from the NRRM server 116 and update antenna settingsaccordingly. In other examples, the RRM application 104 can receive orcalculate SQIs from the transceiver(s) 514 and/or antenna(s) 516, makeadditional calculations, and reconfigure the antennas 516 independentlyof the network.

The UE 102 can also comprise one or more processors 508 and one or moreof removable storage 510, non-removable storage 512, transceiver(s) 514,antenna(s) 516, output device(s) 518, and input device(s) 520. In someexamples, such as for cellular communication devices, the UE 102 canalso include a subscriber identity module (SIM) 522 and/or an embeddedSIM (eSIM) 524, which can include a mobile country code (MCC), mobilenetwork code (MNC), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI),cellular phone number, and other relevant information. In some examples,one or more of the functions (e.g., standard applications 506 and/or theRRM application 104) can be stored on the SIM 522 or the eSIM 524 inaddition to, or instead of, being stored in the memory 502 of the UE102.

In various implementations, the memory 502 can be volatile (such asrandom access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read only memory(ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The memory502 can include all, or part, of the applications 104, 506 and the OS504 for the UE 102, among other things. In some examples, rather thanbeing stored in the memory 502, some, or all, of the applications 104,506 and the OS 504, and other information (e.g., call history, contacts,etc.) can be stored on a remote server or a cloud of servers accessibleby the UE 102 such as the TAS 122.

The memory 502 can also include the OS 504. Of course, the OS 504 variesdepending on the manufacturer of the UE 102 and currently comprises, forexample, iOS 11.4.1 for Apple products and Pie for Android products. TheOS 504 contains the applications and software that support a UE's basicfunctions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, andcontrolling peripherals. In some examples, the OS 504 can enable the RRMapplication 104 to receive data from the transceiver(s) 514 and/orantenna(s) 516, make calculations, and reconfigure the antenna(s) 516,as necessary. The OS 504 can also enable the UE 102 to send and receivedata (e.g., RRC messages) to and from the WBS 106 via the cellularconnection 110 and/or the IP connection 112 and perform other functions.

The UE 102 can also comprise one or more processors 508. In someimplementations, the processor(s) 508 can be a central processing unit(CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), both CPU and GPU, or any otherprocessing unit. The UE 102 may also include additional data storagedevices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magneticdisks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 5 by removable storage 510 and non-removable storage 512. Theremovable storage 510 and non-removable storage 512 can store some, orall, of the applications 104, 506 and the OS 504.

Non-transitory computer-readable media may include volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable tangible, physical mediaimplemented in technology for storage of information, such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program applications, or otherdata. The memory 502, removable storage 510, and non-removable storage512 are all examples of non-transitory computer-readable media.Non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to,RAM, ROM, electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flashmemory or other memory technology, compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digitalversatile discs (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other tangible, physical medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the UE 102. Any suchnon-transitory computer-readable media may be part of the UE 102 or maybe a separate database, databank, remote server, or cloud-based server.

In some implementations, the transceiver(s) 514 include any transceiversknown in the art. In some examples, the transceiver(s) 514 can includewireless modem(s) to facilitate wireless connectivity with othercomponents (e.g., other UE), the Internet, and/or an intranet via thecellular 110 and/or IP 112 networks. Specifically, the transceiver(s)514, in concert with the antennas 516 (discussed below) can includemultiple modes such as the aforementioned MIMO, diversity, and main RXmodes and can enable the antennas 516 to be reconfigured as networkconditions change. Thus, the transceiver(s) 514 can include multiplesingle-channel transceivers or a multi-frequency, multi-channeltransceiver. The transceiver(s) 514 can enable the UE 102 to connect tomultiple networks including, but not limited to the 2G 202, 3G 204, 4G206, 5G 208, and Wi-Fi 108 networks. The transceiver(s) can also includeone or more transceivers to enable the UE 102 to connect to future(e.g., 6G) networks, Internet-of-Things (IoT), machine-to machine (M2M),and other current and future networks.

The transceiver(s) 514 may also include one or more radio transceiversthat perform the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequencycommunications via an antenna (e.g., Wi-Fi 108 or Bluetooth®). In otherexamples, the transceiver(s) 514 may include wired communicationcomponents, such as a wired modem or Ethernet port, for communicatingvia one or more wired networks. The transceiver(s) 514 can enable the UE102 to make audio and video calls, download files, access webapplications, and provide other communications associated with thesystems and methods, described above.

The transceiver(s) 514 can also be in communication with one or moreantenna(s) 516. The UE 102 can include a single, multi-frequencyantenna, or multiple antennas configured for different frequencies orfrequency ranges. In some examples, as mentioned above, the antenna(s)516 can comprise a multi-element MIMO antenna array capable of MIMO Rxmode, diversity Rx mode, and main Rx mode, among other things. In someexamples, the antenna(s) 516 can comprise a 2×2 MIMO antenna array,though other configurations are contemplated. As discussed above, theRRM application 104 and/or the NRRM server 116 can provide configurationmessages, or RRC messages, to the antenna(s) 516 and/or thetransceiver(s) 514 to reconfigure the antenna(s) 516 according to one ormore SQIs.

In some implementations, the output device(s) 518 include any outputdevices known in the art, such as a display (e.g., a liquid crystal orthin-film transistor (TFT) display), a touchscreen, speakers, avibrating mechanism, or a tactile feedback mechanism. The outputdevice(s) 518 can also include speakers, or similar devices, to playsounds or ringtones. The output device(s) 518 can also provide differenttones or sounds when, for example, the antenna(s) 516 reconfigure (e.g.,to inform the user that reception is getting better or worse). Outputdevice(s) 518 can also include ports for one or more peripheral devices,such as headphones, peripheral speakers, or a peripheral display.

In various implementations, input device(s) 520 include any inputdevices known in the art. For example, the input device(s) 520 mayinclude a camera, a microphone, or a keyboard/keypad. The inputdevice(s) 520 can include a touch-sensitive display or a keyboard toenable users to enter data and make requests and receive responses viaweb applications (e.g., in a web browser), make audio and video calls,and use the standard applications 506, among other things. Thetouch-sensitive display or keyboard/keypad may be a standard push buttonalphanumeric multi-key keyboard (such as a conventional QWERTYkeyboard), virtual controls on a touchscreen, or one or more other typesof keys or buttons, and may also include a joystick, wheel, and/ordesignated navigation buttons, or the like. A touch sensitive displaycan be used to display a graphical user interface (GUI), for example,and to act as both an input device 520 and an output device 518.

As shown in FIG. 6, the systems and methods discussed herein can also beused in conjunction with the NRRM server 116. To simplify thediscussion, the NRRM server 116 is discussed below as a standaloneserver. One of skill in the art will recognize, however, that thesystems and methods disclosed herein can also be implemented partially,or fully, on an existing network entity such as, for example, theHLR/HSS 210, the P-CSCF 216, or on another existing network entity.Thus, the discussion below in terms of the NRRM server 116 is notintended to limit the disclosure to the use of a standalone server. TheNRRM server 116 can be a TAS 122, for example, capable of connectingwith multiple UEs 102 and providing RRM and other functions, asdiscussed above.

The NRRM server 116 can comprise a number of components to execute part,or all, of the above-mentioned systems and methods. The NRRM server 116can comprise memory 602 including, for example, an OS 604 and an NRRMapplication 606. In various implementations, the memory 602 can bevolatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.),or some combination of the two. The memory 602 can include all, or part,of the NRRM application 606 and the OS 604 for the NRRM server 116,among other things.

The OS 604 can vary depending on the manufacturer of the NRRM server 116and the type of component. Many servers, for example, run Linux orWindows server. Dedicated cellular routing servers may run specifictelecommunications OSs. The OS 604 contains the applications andsoftware that supports a computer's basic functions, such as schedulingtasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals. The OS 604can enable the NRRM server 116 to send and receive RRC, SIP, and HTTPmessages, connect with UEs 102, reconfigure antennas 516, etc. Thus, theOS 604 can also enable the NRRM server 116 to perform some, or all, ofthe functions associated with the systems and methods discussed herein.

In some examples, the memory 602 can also include the NRRM application606. The NRRM application 606 can, for example, receive RRC messagesfrom the UE 102, calculate SQIs, and make some or all of the antennaconfiguration decisions for the UE 102. The NRRM application 606 canthen send RRC messages via the transceiver(s) 614 to reconfigure theantenna on the UE 102, as necessary. The NRRM application 606 caninclude subroutines suitable to carry out some or all of the methods300, 400 described herein.

The NRRM server 116 can also comprise one or more processors 608. Insome implementations, the processor(s) 608 can be a central processingunit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), both CPU and GPU, or anyother processing unit. The NRRM server 116 can also include one or moreof removable storage 610, non-removable storage 612, transceiver(s) 614,output device(s) 616, and input device(s) 618.

The NRRM server 116 may also include additional data storage devices(removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks,optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 6by removable storage 610 and non-removable storage 612. The removablestorage 610 and non-removable storage 612 can store some, or all, of theOS 604 and the NRRM application 606.

Non-transitory computer-readable media may include volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable tangible, physical mediaimplemented in technology for storage of information, such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program applications,or other data. The memory 602, removable storage 610, and non-removablestorage 612 are all examples of non-transitory computer-readable media.Non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVDsor other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible,physical medium which can be used to store the desired information andwhich can be accessed by the NRRM server 116. Any such non-transitorycomputer-readable media may be part of the NRRM server 116 or may be aseparate database, databank, remote server, or cloud-based server.

In some implementations, the transceiver(s) 614 include any transceiversknown in the art. In some examples, the transceiver(s) 614 can includewireless modem(s) to facilitate wireless connectivity with multiple UEs(e.g., UE 102), the Internet, the cellular network, and/or an intranetvia a cellular connection. The transceiver(s) 614 may enable the NRRMserver 116 to connect with the UEs on multiple networks (e.g., the 2G202 3G 204, 4G 206, 5G 208, and Wi-Fi 108 networks). The transceiver(s)614 can comprise multiple single frequency transceivers or one or moremulti-frequency/multi-channel transceivers to enable the NRRM server 116to communicate with tens, hundreds, or even thousands of UEssimultaneously. The transceiver(s) 614 can also enable the NRRM server116 to receive RRC messages from UE 102, for example, and then send RRCmessages to reconfigure antennas 516 on the UE 102, as necessary.

The transceiver(s) 614 may include a radio transceiver that performs thefunction of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communicationsvia an antenna (e.g., Wi-Fi 108 or Bluetooth®) to connect to the IPnetwork 112 or another network. In other examples, the transceiver(s)614 may include wired communication components, such as a wired modem orEthernet port.

In some implementations, the output device(s) 616 include any outputdevices known in the art, such as a display (e.g., a liquid crystal orthin-film transistor (TFT) display), a touchscreen display, speakers, avibrating mechanism, or a tactile feedback mechanism. In some examples,the output device(s) 616 can play various sounds based on, for example,when an RRC message is received, when the antennas 516 on the UE 102need to be reconfigured, etc. Output device(s) 616 can also includeports for one or more peripheral devices, such as headphones, peripheralspeakers, or a peripheral display.

In various implementations, input device(s) 618 include any inputdevices known in the art. For example, the input device(s) 618 mayinclude a camera, a microphone, a keyboard/keypad, or a touch-sensitivedisplay. A keyboard/keypad may be a standard push button alphanumeric,multi-key keyboard (such as a conventional QWERTY keyboard), virtualcontrols on a touchscreen, or one or more other types of keys orbuttons, and may also include a joystick, wheel, and/or designatednavigation buttons, or the like.

While several possible examples are disclosed above, examples of thepresent disclosure are not so limited. For instance, while the systemsand methods above are discussed with reference to antenna management oncellular UEs 102, the system could be used to provide enhanced antennamanagement for many types of devices on many networks including, forexample, Wi-Fi 108, M2M, IoT, or future networks. Indeed, the systemsand methods discussed herein could be used in the same, or a similar,manner to provide improved antenna management and cell-edge reception onmany kinds of devices that are capable of connecting to one or morewireless voice and data networks. In addition, while various functionsare discussed as being performed on the UE 102 or the NRRM server 116,for example, other components, such as various other network entities(e.g., the I-CSCF 118 or S-CSCF 120), could perform some, or all, ofthese functions without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of thisdisclosure. The presently disclosed examples, therefore, are consideredin all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of thedisclosure is indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a transceiver; a memorystoring computer-executable instructions; and a processor incommunication with at least the transceiver and the memory, thecomputer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor toperform acts comprising: receiving, with the transceiver, a first signalfrom a user equipment (UE), the first signal including a first message;determining, with a resource management application and based at leastin part on a value of a signal quality indicator (SQI) in the firstmessage, to activate a first mode on an antenna on the UE; sending, withthe transceiver, a second signal to the UE, the second signal causingthe UE to activate the first mode of the antenna; receiving, with thetransceiver, a third signal from the UE, the third signal including asecond message; determining, with the resource management applicationand based at least in part on the second message, to deactivate thefirst mode on the antenna; and sending, with the transceiver, a fourthsignal to the UE to cause the UE to deactivate the first mode of theantenna and activate a second mode of the antenna.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein: the SQI comprises a first SQI and the value comprisesa first value; and determining to send the second message is based atleast in part on a second value of a second SQI in the second message.3. The device of claim 2, wherein: the first SQI and the second SQIcomprise a signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR); the first valuecomprises an SINR that is greater than 0 dB and less than 12 dB; and thesecond value comprises an SINR less than or equal to 0 dB.
 4. The deviceof claim 2 wherein: the first SQI comprises a rank indicator (RI); thefirst value is equal to 1; the second SQI comprises asignal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR); and the second valuecomprises an SINR less than or equal to 0 dB.
 5. The device of claim 2,wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed, furthercause the processor to perform acts comprising: receiving, with thetransceiver, a fifth signal from the UE, the fifth signal including athird message; determining, with the resource management application,based at least in part on a third value of a third SQI in the thirdmessage, to activate a multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) Rx mode on theantenna; and sending, with the transceiver, a sixth signal to the UE,the sixth signal causing the UE to activate the MIMO Rx mode on theantenna.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein: the third SQI comprises arank indicator (RI); and the third value comprises an RI equal to
 2. 7.The device of claim 5, wherein: the third SQI comprises asignal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR); and the third value comprisesan SINR greater than or equal to 12 dB.
 8. A user equipment (UE)comprising: a transceiver; an antenna in communication with thetransceiver comprising at least a first mode, a second mode, and a thirdmode; memory storing computer-executable instructions including at leasta resource management application; and a processor in communication withat least the transceiver and the memory, the computer-executableinstructions, when executed, causing the processor to perform actscomprising: receiving a first signal via the transceiver, the firstsignal comprising a first value for a first signal quality indicator(SQI), the first SQI associated with a first signal quality at theantenna; determining, with the resource management application, based atleast in part on the first value, to activate the first mode on theantenna; sending a second signal to the antenna to activate the firstmode on the antenna; receiving a third signal via the transceiver, thethird signal comprising a second value for a second SQI, the second SQIassociated with a second signal quality at the antenna; determining,with the resource management application, based at least in part on thesecond value to deactivate the first mode on the antenna and activatethe second mode on the antenna; sending a fourth signal to the antennato cause the antenna to deactivate the first mode on the antenna andactivate the second mode on the antenna; receiving a fifth signal viathe transceiver, the fifth signal including a third value for a thirdSQI, the third SQI associated with a third signal quality at theantenna; determining, with the resource management application, based atleast in part on the third value to reactivate the first mode on theantenna or activate the third mode on the antenna; and sending a sixthsignal to the antenna to activate the first mode on the antenna oractivate the third mode on the antenna.
 9. The UE of claim 8, wherein:the first mode comprises a diversity receive (Rx) mode; the second modecomprises a main Rx mode; and the third mode comprises amultiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) mode.
 10. The UE of claim 8, wherein:the first SQI and the second SQI comprise a signal-to-interference noiseratio (SINR); the first value comprises an SINR that is greater than 0dB and less than 12 dB; and the second value comprises an SINR that isgreater than −6 dB and less than or equal to 0 dB.
 11. The UE of claim8, wherein: the third SQI comprises a signal-to-interference noise ratio(SINR); and the third value comprises an SINR between −6 dB and 6 dB.12. The UE of claim 8, wherein: the third SQI comprises a rank indicator(RI); and the third value comprises an RI equal to
 2. 13. The UE ofclaim 8, wherein: the third SQI comprises a signal-to-interference noiseratio (SINR); and the third value comprises an SINR greater than orequal to 12 dB.
 14. A method comprising: receiving, with a transceiverof a network entity, a first signal including a first message from auser equipment (UE); determining, with a resource management applicationat the network entity and based at least in part on a first value of afirst signal quality indicator (SQI) in the first message, to activate aparticular mode of a plurality of modes on an antenna of the UE;sending, with the transceiver, a second signal to the UE, the secondsignal to cause the UE to activate the particular mode on the antenna;receiving, with the transceiver, a third signal from the UE, the thirdsignal including a second message; and determining, with the resourcemanagement application and based at least in part on a second value of asecond SQI in the message, that the particular mode on the antenna is tobe deactivated.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the particular modecomprises a diversity receive (Rx) mode, and further comprising:sending, with the transceiver, a fourth signal to the UE to cause the UEto deactivate the diversity Rx mode on the antenna and activate a mainRx mode on the antenna.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein: the secondSQI comprises a block error rate (BLER); and the second value comprisesa BLER greater than 6%.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein: the secondSQI comprises a scheduling rate (SR); and the second value comprises anSR greater than 35%.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the particularmode comprises a diversity receive (Rx) mode, and further comprising:setting a timer in response to determining that the diversity Rx mode onthe antenna is to be deactivated; receiving, with the transceiver and inresponse to the timer expiring, a fourth signal from the UE, the fourthsignal including a third message; determining, with the resourcemanagement application, based at least in part on the second value ofthe second SQI and a third value of a third SQI, that the diversity Rxmode on the antenna is to be deactivated; and sending, with thetransceiver, a fifth signal to the UE to cause the UE to deactivate thediversity Rx mode on the antenna and activate a main Rx mode on theantenna.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: setting a timerin response to determining that the particular mode on the antenna is tobe deactivated; receiving, with the transceiver and in response to thetimer expiring, a fourth signal from the UE, the fourth signal includinga third message; and determining, with the resource managementapplication and based at least in part on a third value of a third SQI,that the particular mode on the antenna is not to be deactivated. 20.The method of claim 19, wherein: the second SQI and the third SQIcomprise a BLER; the second value is greater than 6% BLER; and the thirdvalue is less than or equal to 6% BLER.